Rehabilitation

A permanent solution for overcoming criminal inadmissibility

By demonstrating that you have reformed from past mistakes, this application, once approved, provides a permanent clean slate for all future trips to Canada. It acknowledges the power of personal reform and offers a second chance to those who have become law-abiding citizens.

By demonstrating that you have reformed from past mistakes, this application, once approved, provides a permanent clean slate for all future trips to Canada. It acknowledges the power of personal reform and offers a second chance to those who have become law-abiding citizens.

 

What is Criminal Rehabilitation?

Criminal Rehabilitation is an application-based process that allows an individual to permanently overcome criminal inadmissibility. This is different from "deemed rehabilitation," which is an automatic process that applies only to certain non-serious crimes after a set period of time has passed.


An approved Criminal Rehabilitation application ensures you will not be denied entry to Canada for that specific offense, making it a reliable, long-term solution.

 

General Requirements

  • You must have a criminal offense on your record and have waited a minimum of five years since the completion of your most recent sentence. This includes jail time, probation, and the payment of any fines or fees.


  • This process is specifically for offenses committed outside of Canada. If your inadmissibility is due to a crime committed in Canada, you must apply for a record suspension from the Parole Board of Canada instead.


  • You must demonstrate to Canadian authorities that you have reformed and are no longer a risk. This requires providing evidence of good character and a stable lifestyle, such as reference letters, employment history, and community involvement.

Important Considerations

Discretionary Approval

The final decision to approve your application rests with the immigration officer. You must present a compelling case to prove your rehabilitation, as there is no guarantee of approval, even if you meet the basic eligibility criteria.


Permanent Solution

Once approved, Criminal Rehabilitation provides a permanent, indefinite solution for the specific offenses listed in your application. It can be used for multiple entries into Canada without needing to reapply for future trips.


Ongoing Inadmissibility

You remain criminally inadmissible to Canada while your application is in process. If you need to travel to Canada during this time, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to be granted temporary access.

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consultation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consultation.
 

Inadmissibility Consultation

In-depth analysis, eligibility assessment & tailored strategy

$199.99 (CAD)

60 minutes with an expert

Customized plan to maximize success

Eligibility review .

Guidance on required documents

Get more details

 

Get the help you need to succeed.

Personalized assessment

Our team can help assess your unique situation and determine the best strategy for your specific case and criminal record.

Strategic advice

We can advise on the type of documentation and evidence that will most effectively demonstrate your rehabilitation and good character to the government.

Application support

We will prepare and organize your application to ensure it is complete and accurate, minimizing the risk of refusal due to minor errors.

Direct representation

We can communicate directly with immigration authorities on your behalf, providing you with peace of mind throughout the entire process.

border agents reviewing documents for criminal inadmissibility or Canadian rehabilitation application

Deemed Rehabilitation vs. Criminal Rehabilitation

Many people confuse these two processes, but they are very different. Deemed rehabilitation is an automatic process that applies only to non-serious criminality, and only after a specific amount of time has passed (usually 10 years for a single offense). There is no application required, though a Legal Opinion Letter is highly recommended for travel.


Criminal rehabilitation, on the other hand, is a formal application for people who do not meet the criteria for deemed rehabilitation, including those with serious criminality.

Non-serious vs. Serious Criminality

The type of offense on your record impacts the application process. A non-serious criminality offense is one that would be punishable by a maximum prison term of less than 10 years in Canada. A serious criminality offense is one that would be punishable by 10 years or more. Individuals with serious criminality on their record can never be deemed rehabilitated by the passage of time and must apply for criminal rehabilitation to resolve their inadmissibility.

Traveling to Canada while waiting

If you need to travel to Canada while your criminal rehabilitation application is being processed, you are still considered criminally inadmissible. In this case, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to gain temporary entry.


The TRP is a separate application that allows you to travel for a specific, compelling reason while your long-term rehabilitation application is under review.

traveler looking out of airplane window while waiting for Canadian criminal rehabilitation decision
luggage in airport waiting area for Canadian immigration temporary travel solution

Need a temporary travel solution?

If you have a compelling reason to visit Canada but are not yet eligible for criminal rehabilitation, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be an option. It provides a temporary solution for those who are otherwise inadmissible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally 5–10 years after completing all sentencing requirements, depending on the nature of the offense.

Yes, for serious cases, but approval is discretionary and evidence must be strong.

Court records, police certificates, proof of sentence completion, and character references.

Yes. Canada treats DUIs as serious criminality. Rehabilitation or TRP is required for entry.

Yes, if the offense is serious or if evidence of reform is insufficient.

Download our free guide to overcome inadmissibility.

Begin your journey with our free ebook to get a clear starting point and foundational understanding of the process. 

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